Detox Your Diet

This January, put the kibosh on quick, processed foods by get- ting to work in the kitchen.

Eating foods in their whole, unprocessed, unpackaged form is a surefire way to see improvements in energy, digestion, overall health, and body composition. It’s easy to get caught up in the latest diets and cleansing supplements, thinking those are the only ways to press your body’s theoretical reset button and march down the road to optimal health. While many diets yield results, they are rarely plans you can (or should) stick with long term. Instead, make a lifestyle change.

Washing, chopping, and cooking will be required, but nothing worthwhile comes easy. Become familiar with the foods below, and work toward making them part of your daily fuel.

Fruits & Vegetables
Stats: Most of us enjoy fruits, but veggies can be a harder sell. However, their abun- dance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber is unparalleled—so suck it up and eat them.

Kitchen Tip: Invest in a juicer or high- powered blender. Even the veggiest of veggies, such as kale, can be mixed with apples and ginger for a delicious drink.

Quinoa
Stats: It’s technically considered a seed, although commonly referred to and eaten as a fibrous grain. It’s also got the goods (essential aminos) to be deemed a complete protein.

Kitchen Tip: Add sautéed veggies like onions, celery, and bell peppers—as well as fresh herbs—to up the flavor ante to quinoa.